(WEST TRENTON, N.J.) - The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) invites the public to participate in Water Snapshot 2000, April 14-30.

"This popular, water quality sampling project that takes a 'snapshot' of the health of the waters throughout the Delaware River Basin serves as an important educational, outreach activity around Earth Day, April 22," DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier said. "It not only brings attention to the need for water quality monitoring, but also provides much-deserved recognition to those volunteers who participate in water quality monitoring programs throughout the year."

Water Snapshot 2000 is an opportunity for the young and old, experienced and first-timers, to collect information about the water quality of their favorite water body during the 17-day period. Some participants conduct a visual assessment while others use simple test kits or the hi-tech instruments of seasoned scientists. The data are recorded on sheets provided to participants and forwarded to the DRBC, where the information is compiled without regard to the precision of the analytical method or the expertise of the data collector. "The results do not reflect exact science, but instead create an awareness of local watersheds and the crucial role they play in all of our lives," Collier said.

"This year, thanks to a donation from the William Penn Foundation, DRBC will be able to offer a limited number of free test kits to interested schools, organizations, and individuals on a first-come, first-served basis," Collier said. Those interested in a free kit should call the DRBC at 609-883-9500 ext. 260.

Training opportunities will be offered to interested Snapshot participants, thanks to the efforts of several steering committee members, including the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Information about training dates and times is available on the DRBC web site at www.state.nj.us/drbc.

The DRBC web site also features useful information for Water Snapshot volunteers, including the downloadable data sheet, a glossary of water quality terminology, maps of the Delaware River Watershed sub-basins, links to watershed organizations, and updated news about the program. Persons unable to access the Internet may call the DRBC at 609-883-9500 ext. 260 for information.

The DRBC was formed in 1961 by compact among the four basin states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware) and the federal government to manage water resources in the 13,539-square-mile Delaware River Watershed. Commission programs include water quality protection, watershed planning, water supply allocation, regulatory review, water conservation initiatives, drought management, flood control, and recreation.